2021 Convertibles with Reasonable Prices
Abarth 595 Convertible
Very cute and not too expensive, the Abarth 595 Convertible has stacks of style and plenty of road presence even though it happens to come in rather small packaging. The Competizione is the more expensive (around $36k) of the two models available but offers more features and more grunt. You have FWD and the weight of the car is only a little over 1000 kg, so the driving experience is dynamic and loads of fun. The 1.4-litre Turbo unleaded petrol engine offers 132 kW and 250 Nm in the Competizione (0-100 km/h in less than 7 seconds, top speed 220k m/h) and 107 kW and 206 Nm in the standard version. Fuel economy sits on average at around 6-to-6.5 litres/100 km. With a 3-year 150,000 km warranty and 3 years roadside assist you are well covered. Expect to pay from around $35k for the base model and $41 k for the Competizione.
Audi A5 40 TFSI S line
It costs around $96k new, but Audi’s A5 Convertible is top quality and superb to drive. Gorgeous interiors, excellent comfort and technology make this AWD Audi Convertible a very nice ownership prospect. There are two 2.0-litre petrol engines: A very economical mild-hybrid (6.5 litres/100 km) 140 kW/320 Nm version for those who like FWD (0-100 km/h in around 7 seconds), and a smooth and powerful 183 kW/370 Nm version with AWD (0-100 km/h in around 6.5 seconds). Both engines are linked to Audi’s efficient seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox. To be honest, the AWD version is only a few grand more at a bit over $100k, so I’d be looking to get into this one. Both versions should return between 6 and 7 litres/100km. A 3 year unlimited km warranty is good, as too the 3 year roadside assist package.
Audi S5 Convertible
Like the Audi A5 convertibles above, the S5 has all the goodies, gorgeous lines and comfortable interiors with all the modern gadgets. The S5 has the awesome 3.0-litre turbo V6 Petrol delivering a potent 260 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque to the AWD system, and it uses an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. You can scamper from a standstill to 100 km/h in around 5 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h. A 3 year unlimited km warranty is good, as too the 3 year roadside assist package. Expect to pay around $135k for a new one of these.
BMW 2 Series Convertible
The BMW 220i Luxury Line and 220i M Sport convertibles use the same 2.0-litre Turbo powerplant with 135 kW of power and 270 Nm of torque. The eight speed sport automatic does a great job of providing quick gear changes while linking the smooth operative action to the optimum power levels. This engine should offer a combined fuel consumption of around 6.5 litres/100 km. The car rides nicely. Those wanting the best in comfort and equipment will go for the Luxury Line, while the M Sport concentrates the suspension more towards sport and the flavour a bit racier. BMW The 220i M Sport uses the performance 3.0-litre Turbo engine with 250 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque. This is a quick car and you can expect a run through the 0-100 dash to take less than 6 seconds. The car’s top speed is limited to 250 km/h, while average fuel consumption will be around 8 litres/100 km. All BMW 2 Series convertibles are RWD and offer premium quality interiors and technology. Prices start at around $65k for the Luxury Line, $68k for the M Sport 2.0-litre and $92k for the 3.0-litre M Sport.
BMW 4 Series Convertible
This is one of the prettiest convertibles available for 2021. The new BMW 4 Series Convertible is offered with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder producing either 135 kW/300 Nm (420i, around $90k) or 190 kW/400 Nm (430i, around $108k); while the flagship M440i xDrive AWD (around $136k) variant uses a mild-hybrid 3.0-litre inline turbo-six that unleashes 285 kW/500 Nm and is capable of reaching 100km/h in 4.5 seconds. A 3 year unlimited km warranty along with 3 year roadside assist makes life easy. All are well equipped, comfortable and stylish cars.
BMW Z4 Convertible
Another gorgeous looking convertible is the latest Z4 two-seater Convertible Roadster, which has a lower centre of gravity than before and is further helped dynamically by a 50-50 weight distribution. Three engines are available: The BMW Z4 sDrive 20i M Sport has the 145 kW/320 Nm 2.0-litre; the BMW Z4 sDrive 30i M Sport uses the 190 kW/400 Nm upgraded 2.0-litre version; the BMW Z4 40i offers 250 kW and 500 Nm with its 3.0-litre turbo in-line six petrol. Prices are around $98k, $122k and $144k, respectively. Even the 145 kW engine sings sweetly and packs a punch. All handle beautifully, making this the best Z4, yet. This has to be one of the best looking Roadsters on the road, and they are delightful to drive. The Z4 40i can dispatch the 0-100 km/h dash in just 4 seconds. A 3 year unlimited km warranty along with 3 year roadside assist is available to new car buyers.
Fiat 500C
For somewhere between $25k and 28k, you could get yourself into a brand new Fiat 500 Convertible. They boast a 5-star ANCAP safety rating for what is a very cute, small car. In case you weren’t aware, the Abarth models, mentioned above, are the performance based versions of the Fiat 500C. You should average even less than 5 litres/100 km at times, and the 1.2-litre ULP motors are free revving, fun and relatively refined. Weighing in at just 935 kg these have a bit of zip about town and will happily hold their own at the legal open road limit. Both the 500C Club and 500C Lounge are well kitted out with modern technology and practicality, so life with a small 500C brings plenty of smiles. A 3 year 150,000 km warranty and 3 year roadside assist is good piece of mind motoring.
Mustang Convertible
Here would be the coolest convertible on the market. The Mustang’s muscle, sound and power delivery is nothing short of amazing. The GT version (0-100 km/h in around 4.5 seconds) costs around $75k new and boasts a 339 kW/556 Nm 5.0-litre V8. It can be had with either the standard six-speed manual, or the optional 10-speed auto gearbox. For around $61k, the Mustang High Performance 2.3-litre four-cylinder still delivers on performance (0-100 km/h in around 5.5 seconds) and has 236 kW of power and 448 Nm of torque to play with. Manual and auto versions are also available for the 2.3 High Performance. Both versions are RWD and are immensely rewarding to drive with the top up or down. These are hard to beat for value, performance and road presence. You can’t argue with the 5 year/unlimited km warranty, either.
Lotus Elise
Here is another very cool convertible. The strikingly stylish Lotus Elise Convertible offers two models for 2021. The Sport 220 offers a 1.8 litre, 162 kW, 250 Nm ULP engine with RWD and a six-speed manual gearbox. A 0-100 km/h sprint for this version takes around 4.9 seconds. The Lotus Elise Cup 250 offers a 1.8 litre, 183 kW, 250 Nm ULP engine with RWD and a six-speed manual gearbox. A 0-100 km/h sprint for this version takes around 4.7 seconds. Few other convertibles cars can keep up with a Lotus Elise around a tight track as they are so light, agile and fast. A 3 year unlimited km warranty links with a 3 year roadside assist package when you buy a new one of these, which will be a little north of $100k.
Mazda MX-5
There are two engines available: The 97 kW/152 Nm 1.5-litre and the 135 kW/205 Nm 2.0-litre, both offering the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission and RWD. A limited-slip differential and a finely-tuned suspension ensure a superbly balanced and grippy chassis with plenty of fun in the sun a certainty. Expect to pay between $40 and $52k depending on the model and trim. Enjoy! This has become a roadster icon over the years, and the latest model looks sharp and is kitted with all the latest safety gear.
Mini Convertible
You’re paying anywhere around $50k-and-$75k for a new Mini Convertible – it all depends on the model. They can be had with various engines and styles. Three-door models include the base 100 kW/220 Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder Cooper, the 141 kW/280 Nm four-cylinder Cooper S, and the mighty 225 kW/450 Nm JCW. Always cool and always impressively well-built, Mini’s are a classic. JCW versions are insanely fast and capable, and all come with 3 year/unlimited km warranty and a 3 year roadside assist package.
You could also look at some other marques like Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz or Lexus when it comes to buying a new convertible but you’ll be paying well north of $100, $200k or even $300k for some of these. Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren and Rolls Royce also offer convertible options in Australia, however their prices are for those loaded with money.
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